THE controversial VNI West transmission line project and renewable energy zones were being driven by an ideology, according to Mallee MP Anne Webster.
Dr Webster said the policies of Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese were forcing states to fall into line with federal renewable energy targets.  
“We do not need Mallee turned into an industrial wasteland, it is no good for our food security,” she said.
Criticism of expanded renewable energy zones, including the western REZ that now comes closer to Charlton, has seen Buloke Mayor Alan Getley critical of late changes to the Victorian Transmission Plan without real consultation. Loddon Shire and other country councils had similar criticism of the late change to the preferred route of VNI West more than two years ago.
Meanwhile, state Opposition shadow minister for energy and resources David Davis said: “Labor has botched its energy policy and the rollout of low emission technologies in Victoria.
“Now in its 11th year, the tired Labor government has delivered the worst of all worlds; uncertain electricity and gas supply, matched with surging energy costs. Every Victorian’s electricity and gas bill went up on August 1, just adding further nasty payments for struggling families and small businesses on top of already increased energy costs.
“Far from going ‘down, down, down’, as claimed by Lily D’Ambrosio, electricity and gas costs across the state have surged, hurting families and they appear set to surge upwards further.
“The renewable energy zones announced by the Government won’t constrain these surging bill costs and appear to have little support across vast areas of regional Victoria.
“The changes to so-called renewable energy zones come amid controversy on Labor’s heavy-handed approach to its roll out using authoritarian laws and bullying tactics to overwhelm regional communities.
“What has happened to basic democracy in Victoria?
“And the roll out of Labor’s big transmission wires will force the electricity bills of every Victorian family upwards.
“VNI West for example is increasing from $3.4 billion to $7.6 billion with an upper estimate of $11.4 billion with every cent to be paid by Victoria’s long-suffering households and businesses through their electricity bills.
The Victorian Transmission Plan has also drawn criticism from Professor Bruce Mountain who has spoken against VNI West.